Connect with us

Canadiens Daily

Habs Daily: Updated NHL Playoff Odds, Hutson Magic, Reinbacher

Published

3 weeks ago

on

montreal canadiens nick suzuki

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Saturday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Prior to puck drop on Saturday the Montreal Canadiens announced Josh Anderson would not be available family reasons, as the Anderson clan is awaiting the birth of their first child. This meant that Oliver Kapanen would be called on to anchor the fourth line, while Jake Evans was promoted to the third.


The Habs struggled in the first period of Saturday’s game versus the Philadelphia Flyers, but the usual suspects came to the rescue, as Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, and Brendan Gallagher scored to secure a crucial 3-2 win. Hutson’s goal, in particular, was impressive, as it was an end-to-end effort from the clear-cut front-runner for the Calder Trophy. [Habs Highlights: Welcome To The Lane Hutson Show]

Speaking of Hutson, his affability might match his talent, and that’s saying a lot. How can you not love this humble star?


The win, combined with losses from the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets put the Canadiens firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Montreal’s odds of qualifying for the playoffs are now 72.4 percent, giving them a significant advantage down the final stretch of the season.

As it stands, the Canadiens are now four points clear on the Rangers. However, the Rangers hold the first tiebreaker advantage, regulation wins (RW), which means the Habs have to finish one point ahead of them to keep hold of their Wild Card spot.

The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets are still in the conversation, but they’re going to have to hope the Habs stumble down the stretch if they’re to sneak their way into the playoffs.

David Reinbacher was injured almost immediately upon his return to play, which is a worrying situation give his history. Thankfully, according to Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent, they’re being overly cautious when it comes to Reinbacher. The 20-year-old defenceman was spotted skating on Friday.


Seeing as Jacob Fowler signed his entry-level contract this week, a new mask was in order. As per usual, Sylabrush did a fantastic job.

Speaking of Fowler, here’s a fantastic highlight video put together by Hab Prospect Videos, a great YouTube account that’s certainly worthy of a subscription.

National Hockey Now Network

Saturday’s Hudson River Rivalry matchup lacked a certain juice that’s persisted in each meeting before this weekend’s. The New Jersey Devils’ quest for points to clinch their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs continues. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers, who are on the outside looking in, but within striking distance, looked like a team that’s given up. [New Jersey Devils]

The Pittsburgh Penguins were the better team for most of Saturday afternoon. Sidney Crosby netted a hat trick, his third being the empty netter with 1:15 remaining in the game, and the Penguins surged past their mistakes and the Dallas Stars. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

The Florida Panthers scoring slump continued Saturday in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Panthers have scored two goals or fewer in five straight games, and are 0-2-1 going into the finale of this four-game trip Sunday in Detroit.[Florida Panthers]

Related Topics:
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

MHN in your inbox

Enter your email address and get all of our articles sent directly to your inbox

Canadiens Roster & Cap Info